Recreation & Sport

New Zealanders are famed around the world for their ingenuity – there’s an old adage that Kiwis can do anything with a piece of fencing wire.

Sailing veteran Tony Rae could claim to know the Hauraki Gulf like the back of his hand. But, even though the 47-year-old has been sailing the waters of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf since he was a boy, he says there are still sheltered bays and hidden coves that surprise him.

There are few sailing events around the world that a Kiwi hasn’t conquered and there’s no doubt that they’re regarded among the best in the world.

With nearly 16,000 km (10,000 miles) of coastline, it’s almost impossible to escape the sea in New Zealand.

Hall, an Olympian from the Athens games, is an integral member of the Emirates Team New Zealand afterguard.

The way the world saw the America’s Cup was revolutionised and turned into a true spectator sport by Ian Taylor and his team at Animation Research Limited.

Located on the Tongariro River, River Birches is a five star, secluded, boutique fishing lodge that offers anglers the chance to bring back fish for dinner every time with the help of a Rivercam.

When competing around the globe, world mountain bike champion Vanessa Quinn often thinks of the stunning trails back home in New Zealand.

Joining the ranks of New Zealand's top luxury lodges in 2002, Fiordland Lodge combines comfort and indulgence with design that reflects the rich Fiordland landscape.

New Zealanders first started building boats out of necessity, as they lived in a country totally surrounded by sea.